MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Miriam Santiago was not referring to herself when she said that the next president of the Philippines should be a woman.

Speaking to reporters, Santiago said she prefers someone among her female colleagues to fill that place, pointing out that the Senate is considered as “training ground for presidents.”

She named Senators Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Pia Cayetano, and Loren Legarda as her preferences, or any member of the House of Representatives “making splashes,” or a lady governor.

Santiago’s primary reason for not running again for president: lack of money to finance a campaign.

“I was not a member of the pork barrel scam so I don’t have this amount. I never sold my body so I don’t have this amount. My main problem is I don’t have the money, period,” she said.

A judgeship at the International Criminal Court is also waiting.

“I’m not looking for a job,” she said, laughing. “I already have a job. I’m supposed to report at the International Criminal Court. As you can see, I cannot even finish my present functions as a member of the Commission on Appointments. Someone else should read the results of what happened to my committee hearing because I’m too tired.”

“I wonder whether people are not bored with me because I’m bored with myself,” she quipped.

Santiago said that next 11 presidents of the country should be female to promote gender equality, pointing out that 13 of the 15 Philippines presidents are male. (MNS)